Eight Years

Eight years.  That is how long we have had the privilege of parenting Miss Angie.  Seven years since she started having life-threatening seizures and six years since we were told there was no hope for her future and that the State of Oregon preferred that doctors stop trying to save her life.  Five years since we fought for the right to pursue treatment anyway and four years since she had the brain surgery that saved and changed her life.  And ours.

I am not the same person I was eight years ago.  Not even close. I don't even know that person anymore.  Eight years ago, I did not know how to fight for my child's life like it was my own.  I did not know that doctors are not always right, and caseworkers very often are quite wrong.  I trusted professionals to know everything and did not trust my ability to make hard decisions for the best interest of my child.  I did not know the hope that comes from witnessing miracles performed through a child's life over and over again.  I did not know that a child could defy all odds and become an individual who inspires every person she meets.

I don't want that person back.  I am grateful for the lessons I have learned on this journey every single day.  I can see God's hand in every trial we experienced and looking back I can see what He has taught me through the difficult days and nights.  I am so thankful.

Angie has a very unique and definite purpose in this World.  I believe it is to bring hope to the hopeless.  She is meant to teach us that adversity does not mean defeat, it just means we have to try harder. She is here to model perseverance and courage, humor and strength.

I am so thankful for Angie.  She keeps me from getting too serious and uptight and she makes me laugh every single day.  I am grateful for the 2,917 days I have had her in my life and in my heart.  Happy Birthday, Angie Rae, you have changed my life for the better and I love you to the moon and back!